Studio Projects C3 vs AT4050

[bgavin]

Does anybody have any A/B comparision experience?

Regularly on eBay, the C3 is $360 and the AT4050 is $400. Both are multi-pattern LDC.

I'm curious about quality of build and coloration. The intent is general purpose studio: voice and non-electric instruments.

[ozraves]

On the general purpose multi-pattern thing, the AT4050 is more of a neutral sound. Other opinions my vary.

[bgavin]

What about build quality and consistency compared to the AT4050?

The C3 is made in China, albeit in a well-respected OEM facility. The SP line are reputed to be much higher quality than most of the Chinese-made mics.

[acorec]

Originally posted by bgavin
What about build quality and consistency compared to the AT4050?

The C3 is made in China, albeit in a well-respected OEM facility. The SP line are reputed to be much higher quality than most of the Chinese-made mics.

The AT 4050 is built much better than the chinese mic. The 4050 will do alot more and it can do it better.

[freshmattyp]

In my experience the build quality is similar for both mics. You may run into some anti-Chinese condenser sentiment from some inn this forum. Let your ears be the judge.

[darnold]

I think it will depend more on what you own already. I would go with the AT4050 is you are looking for versatility. These things are awesome in that area. But like mentioned before, neutral.

If you are looking for a more hyped, go with the C3.

Audio Technicas are built very very nicely. And they will probably hold their value longer too.

The C3 is basically a multipattern C1. I havnt found many uses for a C1 except for vocals. And i rarely find much use for having multipattern vocal mics. But your style might be different too.

Danny

[Dot]

I agree with Danny. The 4050 will give you more versatility - especially on instruments. Great on female vocals, too. The 4050 is a bright, neutral mic.

The C3 is a colored, hyped mic that works well on vocals, amps and even kick drum.

I'd recommend just getting the C1 is you're looking for a vocal-only mic.

But for miking "non-electric" instruments, forget the C series all together - except for the SP T3. They blow on acoustic guitar. Actually, the SP B1 is excellent on acoustic instruments.

Between the two, I'd chose the 4050.

There are very few mics that actually pull off doing both vocals and instruments well.

I'd also look at the ADK TL - which is a neutral mic with 4 patterns. Very versatile. Also, the Red5 Audio RV8 for cardioid or the RV10 for multi-pattern.

I personally would chose the ADK TL over the 4050, because all the AT mics have this inherent slight grainy sound - which can be cool, but you should know that going in. The ADK TL has a smoother sound.

To answer your Q: between a C3 and a 4050 for your applications, the 4050 gets my vote - easily.

My 2¢.

Dan Richards
The Listening Sessions
The Project Studio Handbook